Systems and methods for comparison and scoring of network access points

ABSTRACT

An information handling system may include a processor, a network interface, and non-transitory computer-readable media having stored thereon an agent comprising a program of instructions, the agent configured to, when read and executed by the processor: perform background scanning of traffic associated with a plurality of network access points, in order to collect traffic information associated with the information handling system and traffic information and capabilities associated with the plurality of network access points; score each network access point of the plurality of network access points based on the traffic information associated with the information handling system and traffic information and capabilities associated with the plurality of network access points; compare scores for each of the plurality of network access points to determine a selected network access point; and cause the network interface to connect to the selected network access point.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates in general to network configuration, andmore particularly to a system and method for configuration of a networkrequiring little or no user input.

BACKGROUND

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option available to users is information handling systems. Aninformation handling system generally processes, compiles, stores,and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or otherpurposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of theinformation. Because technology and information handling needs andrequirements vary between different users or applications, informationhandling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled,how the information is handled, how much information is processed,stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the informationmay be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in informationhandling systems allow for information handling systems to be general orconfigured for a specific user or specific use such as financialtransaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage,or global communications. In addition, information handling systems mayinclude a variety of hardware and software components that may beconfigured to process, store, and communicate information and mayinclude one or more computer systems, data storage systems, andnetworking systems.

With recent advances in network technology and improved affordability ofnetworking devices, information handling system users are increasinglyimplementing networks (e.g., local areas networks or LANs) that utilizewireless transmissions (e.g., wireless fidelity or “Wi-Fi”) andwire-line transmissions in their homes and/or businesses. For example,users may implement a home or business network including an informationhandling system, one or more wireless-capable network devices, and awireless access point communicatively coupled to the informationhandling system and network devices. Such a network may allow aninformation handling system (or a user thereof) to communicate with theone or more network devices via the wireless access point or vice versa.

Traditionally, an information handling system selects a wireless accesspoint from a plurality of wireless access points based on the relativesignal strengths of the wireless access points, which may effectively bea proxy for the relative physical proximity of the wireless accesspoints to the information handling system. More recently, newerapproaches have used an access point scoring mechanism based on accesspoint environment information communicated from the wireless accesspoints. However, such approach may be less than optimal for a number ofreasons. For example, not all access points may provide environmentalinformation due to a wireless access point not supporting the broadcastof such information or such feature being disabled on a wireless accesspoint. Scoring an access point without the unknown loading informationmay lead to erroneous scoring, and scoring access points that report andaccess points that do not report environmental information may lead toinaccurate ranking of access points.

Further, access points have the capability to prioritize applicationsand send high priority traffic. Access points may broadcast loadinginformation in terms of number of users and channel busy time if suchfeature is supported and enabled on a wireless access point, but not thetype of traffic. However, for accurate scoring, a wireless access pointshould be scored based on the prioritized traffic of the access pointand the traffic of the information handling system itself.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, thedisadvantages and problems associated with comparison and scoring ofnetwork access points by an information handling system may be reducedor eliminated.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an informationhandling system may include a processor, a network interface, andnon-transitory computer-readable media having stored thereon an agentcomprising a program of instructions, the agent configured to, when readand executed by the processor: perform background scanning of trafficassociated with a plurality of network access points, in order tocollect traffic information associated with the information handlingsystem and traffic information and capabilities associated with theplurality of network access points; score each network access point ofthe plurality of network access points based on the traffic informationassociated with the information handling system and traffic informationand capabilities associated with the plurality of network access points;compare scores for each of the plurality of network access points todetermine a selected network access point; and cause the networkinterface to connect to the selected network access point.

In accordance with these and other embodiments of the presentdisclosure, a method may include: performing background scanning oftraffic associated with a plurality of network access points, in orderto collect traffic information associated with an information handlingsystem and traffic information and capabilities associated with theplurality of network access points; scoring each network access point ofthe plurality of network access points based on the traffic informationassociated with the information handling system and traffic informationand capabilities associated with the plurality of network access points;comparing scores for each of the plurality of network access points todetermine a selected network access point; and causing a networkinterface of the information handling system to connect to the selectednetwork access point.

In accordance with these and other embodiments of the presentdisclosure, an article of manufacture comprising may include anon-transitory computer-readable medium and computer-executableinstructions carried on the computer-readable medium, the instructionsreadable by a processing device, the instructions, when read andexecuted, for causing the processing device to: perform backgroundscanning of traffic associated with a plurality of network accesspoints, in order to collect traffic information associated with aninformation handling system and traffic information and capabilitiesassociated with the plurality of network access points; score eachnetwork access point of the plurality of network access points based onthe traffic information associated with the information handling systemand traffic information and capabilities associated with the pluralityof network access points; compare scores for each of the plurality ofnetwork access points to determine a selected network access point; andcause a network interface of the information handling system to connectto the selected network access point.

Technical advantages of the present disclosure may be readily apparentto one skilled in the art from the figures, description and claimsincluded herein. The objects and advantages of the embodiments will berealized and achieved at least by the elements, features, andcombinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are examples and explanatory and arenot restrictive of the claims set forth in this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantagesthereof may be acquired by referring to the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumbers indicate like features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example network system, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of an example method for comparison andscoring of network access points, in accordance with certain embodimentsof the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood byreference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , wherein like numbers are used to indicatelike and corresponding parts.

For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system mayinclude any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operableto compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate,switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, orutilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business,scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, an informationhandling system may be a personal computer, a network storage resource,or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance,functionality, and price. The information handling system may includerandom access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as acentral processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic,ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components ofthe information handling system may include one or more disk drives, oneor more network ports for communicating with external devices as well asvarious input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, anda video display. The information handling system may also include one ormore buses operable to transmit communications between the varioushardware components.

For the purposes of this disclosure, computer-readable media may includeany instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities that may retaindata and/or instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable mediamay include, without limitation, storage media such as a direct accessstorage device (e.g., a hard disk drive or floppy disk), a sequentialaccess storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), compact disk, CD-ROM,DVD, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or flash memory; aswell as communications media such as wires, optical fibers, microwaves,radio waves, and other electromagnetic and/or optical carriers; and/orany combination of the foregoing.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “wire-line transmissions”may be used to refer to all types of electromagnetic communications overwires, cables, or other types of conduits. Examples of such conduitsinclude, but are not limited to, metal wires and cables made of copperor aluminum, fiber-optic lines, and cables constructed of other metalsor composite materials satisfactory for carrying electromagneticsignals. Wire-line transmissions may be conducted in accordance withteachings of the present disclosure over electrical power lines,electrical power distribution systems, building electrical wiring,conventional telephone lines, Ethernet cabling (10 baseT, 100 baseT,etc.), coaxial cables, T-1 lines, T-3 lines, ISDN lines, ADSL, and/orany other suitable medium.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “wireless transmissions”may be used to refer to all types of electromagnetic communicationswhich do not require a wire, cable, or other types of conduits. Examplesof wireless transmissions which may be used include, but are not limitedto, personal area networks (PAN) (e.g., BLUETOOTH), local area networks(LAN), wide area networks (WAN), narrowband personal communicationsservices (PCS), broadband PCS, circuit switched cellular, cellulardigital packet data (CDPD), radio frequencies, such as the 800 MHz, 900MHz, 1.9 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands, infra-red and laser.

Examples of wireless transmissions for use in local area networks (LAN)include, but are not limited to, radio frequencies, especially the 900MHZ and 2.4 GHz bands, for example IEEE 802.11 and BLUETOOTH, as well asinfrared, and laser. Examples of wireless transmissions for use in widearea networks (WAN) include, but are not limited to, narrowband personalcommunications services (nPCS), personal communication services (PCSsuch as CDMA, TMDA, GSM) circuit switched cellular, and cellular digitalpacket data (CDPD), etc.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example network system 100, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted,system 100 may include an information handling system 102 and aplurality of network access points 114.

Information handling system 102 may generally be operable to receivedata from, and/or transmit data to, one or more devices via one or morenetwork access points 114. For example, information handling system 102may be a personal computer adapted for home use. As another example,information handling system 102 may be a personal computer adapted forbusiness use. As shown in FIG. 1 , information handling system 102 mayinclude a processor 103, a memory 104 communicatively coupled toprocessor 103, a user interface 106, a local storage resource 108, and anetwork interface 112.

Processor 103 may comprise any system, device, or apparatus operable tointerpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data, andmay include, without limitation, a microprocessor, microcontroller,digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), or any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpretand/or execute program instructions and/or process data. In someembodiments, processor 103 may interpret and/or execute programinstructions and/or process data stored in memory 104, storage resource108, and/or another component of information handling system 102.

Memory 104 may be communicatively coupled to processor 103 and maycomprise any system, device, or apparatus operable to retain programinstructions or data for a period of time (e.g., computer-readablemedia). Memory 104 may comprise random access memory (RAM), electricallyerasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a PCMCIA card, flashmemory, magnetic storage, opto-magnetic storage, or any suitableselection and/or array of volatile or non-volatile memory that retainsdata after power to information handling system 102 is turned off.

User interface 106 may be communicatively coupled to processor 103 andmay include any instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities bywhich a user may interact with information handling system 102. Forexample, user interface 106 may permit a user to input data and/orinstructions into information handling system 102 (e.g., via a keyboard,pointing device, and/or other suitable means), and/or otherwisemanipulate information handling system 102 and its associatedcomponents. User interface 106 may also permit information handlingsystem 102 to communicate data to a user, e.g., by means of a displaydevice.

Local storage resource 108 may be communicatively coupled to processor103 and/or memory 104 and may include any system, device, or apparatusoperable to retain program instructions or data for a period of time(e.g., computer-readable media) and that retains data after power toinformation handling system 102 is turned off. Local storage resource108 may include one or more hard disk drives, magnetic tape libraries,optical disk drives, magneto-optical disk drives, compact disk drives,compact disk arrays, disk array controllers, and/or anycomputer-readable medium operable to store data. As depicted in FIG. 1 ,storage resource 108 may have stored thereon access point scoring agent110.

Access point scoring agent 110 may comprise any suitable program ofexecutable instructions configured to, when loaded into memory 104 andexecuted by processor 103, perform comparison and scoring of networkaccess points 114, as described in greater detail below. In someembodiments, access point scoring agent 110 may comprise an applicationprogram that runs on top of an operating system of information handlingsystem 102. In other embodiments, access point scoring agent 110 maycomprise a driver, library, or other component of such an operatingsystem.

Network interface 112 may include any suitable system, apparatus, ordevice operable to serve as an interface between information handlingsystem 102 and network access point 114. Network interface 112 mayenable information handling system 102 to communicate via network accesspoint 114 using any suitable transmission protocol (e.g., TCP/IP) and/orstandard (e.g., IEEE 802.11, Wi-Fi). In certain embodiments, networkinterface 112 may include a network interface card (NIC). In the same oralternative embodiments, network interface 112 may be configured tocommunicate with network access point 114 via wireless transmissions. Inthe same or alternative embodiments, network interface 112 may providephysical access to a networking medium and/or provide a low-leveladdressing system (e.g., through the use of Media Access Controladdresses). In certain embodiments, network interface 112 may include abuffer for storing packets received from network access point 114 and/ora controller configured to process packets received by network accesspoint 114.

A network access point 114 may include any system, device or apparatusoperable to communicatively couple one or more devices together to forma network. Network access point 114 may be a part of a storage areanetwork (SAN), personal area network (PAN), local area network (LAN), ametropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wirelesslocal area network (WLAN), a virtual private network (VPN), an intranet,the Internet or any other appropriate architecture or system thatfacilitates the communication of signals, data and/or messages(generally referred to as data). For example, network access point 114may be configured to communicate with other devices via wirelesstransmissions, and thus may communicatively couple a plurality ofwireless communication devices together to form a wireless network.Network access point 114 may also be configured to communicate to one ormore devices via wire-line transmissions, and thus may relay data amongwireless devices and wired devices. Network access point 114 may beconfigured to communicate with other devices via any suitablecommunication protocol (e.g., TCP/IP) and/or standard (e.g., IEEE802.11, Wi-Fi).

Although FIG. 1 depicts system 100 having three network access points114, it is understood that system 100 may include any suitable numberand types of network access points 114.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of an example method 200 for comparisonand scoring of network access points 114, in accordance with certainembodiments of the present disclosure. According to one embodiment,method 200 may begin at step 202. As noted above, teachings of thepresent disclosure may be implemented in a variety of configurations ofsystem 100. As such, the preferred initialization point for method 200and the order of the steps comprising method 200 may depend on theimplementation chosen.

At step 202, access point scoring agent 110 may perform backgroundscanning to gather traffic information and capabilities regardingnetwork access points 114 and user traffic information. Although eachpacket from the various network access points 114 may be encrypted,metadata in the packets (e.g., differentiated services code point tagsin the Internet Protocol layer) may provide sufficient informationregarding the type of traffic being routed within the packets. Thus, byperforming such background scanning, access point scoring agent 110 maygather information regarding a traffic load for each channel of thevarious network access points 114 (e.g., even if one or more networkaccess points 114 do not support or are not enabled to communicate suchload information) and the type of traffic routed by each network accesspoint 114.

At step 204, access point scoring agent 110 may score each networkaccess point 114. Based on the number of users and the payload of anapplication, access point scoring agent 110 may calculate throughputinformation for each network access point 114 in accordance with thewell-known Bianchi's model or other suitable approach. Such model maytake into consideration packet size and user information. BecauseBianchi's model does not take signal strength into consideration, accesspoint scoring agent 110 may generate a fair score for each networkaccess point 114 in accordance with the formula:

${Score} = {\frac{{w_{1}*\left( {{scaled}\mspace{14mu}{signal}\mspace{14mu}{strength}} \right)} + {w_{2}*\left( {{scaled}\mspace{14mu}{Bianchi}\mspace{14mu}{throughput}} \right)}}{w_{1} + w_{2}}*100}$where w₁ is a current weight allocated to signal strength in accesspoint scoring and w₂ is a combined weight of factors in the scoringmechanism.

The foregoing formula provides scoring of each network access point 114without considering a prioritization factor of each network access point114. When traffic of network access points 114 is fully estimated andprioritization factors are applied on network access points 114, accesspoint scoring agent 110 may generate a fair score for each networkaccess point 114 in accordance with the formula:Score′=Score+γE(U)−E(AP)where γ is a design parameter based on a prioritization engine of thenetwork access point 114 being scored, E(U) is an average trafficpriority at information handling system 102, and E(U) is an averagetraffic priority at the network access point 114 being scored.

At step 206, access point scoring agent 110 may compare the score foreach network access point 114. At step 208, access point scoring agent110 may determine, based on the comparison, if information handlingsystem 102 is connected to the optimal network access point 114. Ifinformation handling system 102 is connected to the optimal networkaccess point 114, method 200 may proceed again to step 202. Ifinformation handling system 102 is not connected to the optimum networkaccess point 114, method 200 may proceed to step 210, at which accesspoint scoring agent 110 may cause information handling system 102 toconnect to the optimum network access point 114.

Although FIG. 2 discloses a particular number of steps to be taken withrespect to method 200, method 200 may be executed with greater or lessersteps than those depicted in FIG. 2 . In addition, although FIG. 2discloses a certain order of steps to be taken with respect to method200, the steps comprising method 200 may be completed in any suitableorder.

Method 200 may be implemented using system 100 or any other systemoperable to implement method 200. In certain embodiments, method 200 maybe implemented partially or fully in software and/or firmware embodiedin computer-readable media.

As used herein, when two or more elements are referred to as “coupled”to one another, such term indicates that such two or more elements arein electronic communication or mechanical communication, as applicable,whether connected indirectly or directly, with or without interveningelements.

This disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations,alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments herein that aperson having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Similarly,where appropriate, the appended claims encompass all changes,substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the exampleembodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art wouldcomprehend. Moreover, reference in the appended claims to an apparatusor system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to,arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, oroperative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus,system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function isactivated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, orcomponent is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled,operable, or operative. Accordingly, modifications, additions, oromissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods describedherein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example,the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated orseparated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatusesdisclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other componentsand the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps.Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used inthis document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of asubset of a set.

Although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures anddescribed below, the principles of the present disclosure may beimplemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known ornot. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplaryimplementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and describedabove.

Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawingsare not necessarily drawn to scale.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the disclosureand the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, andare construed as being without limitation to such specifically recitedexamples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosurehave been described in detail, it should be understood that variouschanges, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, variousembodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages.Additionally, other technical advantages may become readily apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art after review of the foregoing figuresand description.

To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on thisapplication in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wishto note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claimelements to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the words “means for” or“step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information handling system, comprising: aprocessor; a network interface; and non-transitory computer-readablemedia having stored thereon an agent comprising a program ofinstructions, the agent configured to, when read and executed by theprocessor: perform background scanning of traffic associated with aplurality of network access points, in order to collect trafficinformation associated with the information handling system and trafficinformation and capabilities associated with the plurality of networkaccess points; score each network access point of the plurality ofnetwork access points based on the traffic information associated withthe information handling system and traffic information and capabilitiesassociated with the plurality of network access points, a signalstrength and a throughput of such network access point, and on anaverage traffic priority of the information handling system; comparescores for each of the plurality of network access points to determine aselected network access point; and cause the network interface toconnect to the selected network access point.
 2. The informationhandling system of claim 1, wherein the network interface is a wirelessnetwork interface and the network interface connects to the selectednetwork access point via wireless transmissions.
 3. The informationhandling system of claim 1, wherein the score of each network accesspoint is further based on a prioritization factor associated with suchnetwork access point.
 4. The information handling system of claim 1,wherein the score of each network access point is further based on anaverage traffic priority of such network access point.
 5. A methodcomprising: performing background scanning of traffic associated with aplurality of network access points, in order to collect trafficinformation associated with an information handling system and trafficinformation and capabilities associated with the plurality of networkaccess points; scoring each network access point of the plurality ofnetwork access points based on the traffic information associated withthe information handling system and traffic information and capabilitiesassociated with the plurality of network access points, a signalstrength and a throughput of such network access point, and on anaverage traffic priority of the information handling system; comparingscores for each of the plurality of network access points to determine aselected network access point; and causing a network interface of theinformation handling system to connect to the selected network accesspoint.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the network interface is awireless network interface and the network interface connects to theselected network access point via wireless transmissions.
 7. The methodof claim 5, wherein the score of each network access point is furtherbased on a prioritization factor associated with such network accesspoint.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the score of each networkaccess point is further based on an average traffic priority of suchnetwork access point.
 9. An article of manufacture comprising: anon-transitory computer-readable medium; and computer-executableinstructions carried on the computer-readable medium, the instructionsreadable by a processing device, the instructions, when read andexecuted, for causing the processing device to: perform backgroundscanning of traffic associated with a plurality of network accesspoints, in order to collect traffic information associated with aninformation handling system and traffic information and capabilitiesassociated with the plurality of network access points; score eachnetwork access point of the plurality of network access points based onthe traffic information associated with the information handling systemand traffic information and capabilities associated with the pluralityof network access points, a signal strength and a throughput of suchnetwork access point, and on an average traffic priority of theinformation handling system; compare scores for each of the plurality ofnetwork access points to determine a selected network access point; andcause a network interface of the information handling system to connectto the selected network access point.
 10. The article of claim 9,wherein the network interface is a wireless network interface and thenetwork interface connects to the selected network access point viawireless transmissions.
 11. The article of claim 9, wherein the score ofeach network access point is further based on a prioritization factorassociated with such network access point.
 12. The article of claim 9,wherein the score of each network access point is further based on anaverage traffic priority of such network access point.